~ Covering the Kingdom of Æthelmearc of the SCA

Court Report: Shoot in the Wildwood

An account of the court of Sven and Siobhan, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, held at Shoot in the Wildwood on the 1st of September in the 53rd year of the Society in the Barony of Delftwood. Reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, Silent Herald.

Morning Court:

Their Majesties called for the Order of the Pelican. It was said that at Pennsic, a writ was issued for one to sit vigil this day. Baron Benedict Fergus atte Mede was then called into court. He agreed that he would sit and hear words. The Order then escorted him to the place set aside for him to contemplate the offer.

Court was then suspended.

Evening Court:

The Court of Their Majesties was resumed.

The Children of Æthelmearc present were invited to partake of the gifts available in the toybox located in the back of court.

Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies, Delftwood, to hold their court.

Upon completion of Baronial Court, Their Majesties spoke of the fun they had in Travels to the North and how Her Majesty renewed her joy of archery and thanked the Barony for giving her the opportunity.

Their Majesties then called for Ania Mhoireach. Her enthusiasm on the rapier field and her ever present question of “how can I help?” had not gone unnoticed. For all this and more she was Awarded Arms. Scroll by THL Mairghread ui Stibhard uu Coinn.

All those for whom this was their first Royal Court were asked to come forth. Their Majesties welcomed those that approached and gifted them with a cup so that they may never know thirst and always be able to enjoy the hospitality of Æthelmearc.

His Majesty then spoke of two members of the Barony who have jumped in head first and become active in the Youth Combat activities, both achieving the position of Marshal of Youth Combat. And while they had to leave early, he wanted the populace to know that Archias Smikriades and Harpalea Archiao were Awared Arms in absentia. Scrolls forthcoming.

Their Majesties then called for Lord Bjarki Rickardsson. His skill as an archer and in thrown weapons had reached Their ears. It was also said that he has become known as a force to be reckoned with upon the heavy field as well. For this he was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Lady Rivka bat Daniyel.

The Order of the Golden Alce was then asked to stand so that the populace might see who was not a member and for whom a letter of recommendation should be sent in.

Lady Glenna Cholmondeley of Delftwood was then invited into court. Her service as Baronial Arts and Sciences Minister, her help in kitchens and at events has been praised highly. For this she was named a member of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Lady Eilionora Inghean an Bhaird.

Her Majesty then asked for the presence of Mary of Harford. This young woman had just turned 13 and thus was shooting the ranges as an adult but had placed highly enough to beat out many adults. Her skill on the range moved Her Majesty and named her Queen’s Inspiration for the day.

Mary of Harford named Queen’s Inspiration for the day. Photo Credit: JJ Art and Photography

Baron Benedict Fergus atte Mede was then summoned into Court. His Majesty, speaking in his native language, spoke. Her Majesty translated and asked if he had sat vigil and heard words of advice. After saying yes, the Order of the Pelican was asked to join the Court. Members of the Order confirmed that he had sat vigil and they welcomed him to join them. Their Majesties then asked for witnesses to his worth to join the Pelicanate.

Duke Magnus Tindal, whose words were read by Sir Murdoch Bayne, represented the Royal Peers. His words told of a man who would never give up, never let down, never run around and desert the Kingdom and Royalty. Sir Thorsol Solinauga, on behalf of the Order of Chivalry, spoke of his dedication of the field. That he held on to what he’s got, it didn’t matter if he made it or not, he would defend the Realm and its people. Mistress Felicitas Flußmüllnerin, as a member of the Order of the Laurel, said she would not speak of his art of shoemaking or of any of his other arts, but instead said that his art of service was one that he would say he is not worthy of and told him that he should accept that the rest of the Kingdom thinks he is worthy. Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta spoke on behalf of the Order of Defense. He too spoke of the dedication and service of Baron Fergus to the people, the lands and to the Society through his work as Baron, rapier marshal and many other things. Minamoto-riku-i Kumamoto Sakurako, read the words of Don Corwin Montgomery, whose words were those of a member of the populace. His words told of a man dedicated to encouraging others to achieve excellence. The Order of the Pelican was represented by Mistress Juliana Rosalia Dolce da Siena. Her words told of someone who spends his time quietly serving others, be it as baronial officer, setting up and cleaning up event sites and all those little things that slip through the cracks but get done because of him.

Master Fergus swears fealty. Photo Credit: JJ Art and Photography

After hearing the words of the Orders, Their Majesties agreed that the elevation was a good and right thing. A cloak to mark his station was then presented. He was then given the Ancestral Pelican medallion, followed by a household legacy medallion and a personal one. A cap of maintenance was then given to him. Their Majesties then accepted his oath and presented Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede, newest member of the Order of the Pelican, to the Kingdom. Scroll forthcoming.

Their Majesties again thanked the Barony of Delftwood for their hospitality and hoped that everyone had as much fun as they did.